Daily Devotions
Jonah
"Now the LORD had prepared a great fish"
Text: Jonah 1:17
NOT THE END OF THE STORY
The story of Jonah did not end with Jonah being thrown into the sea. The LORD had other plans in place for this event.
“Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah.
And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
Jonah 1:17
1. “Now the LORD had prepared”
a) This is what we may expect.
b) The LORD does not leave things to chance.
c) Everything had been prepared.
i) The storm that suddenly arose.
ii) The storm that had also immediately ceased.
d) God does not do things without careful preparation.
2. “Prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah”
a) We do not know what kind of fish God had prepared.
b) But this was a great fish that was capable of swallowing Jonah!
3. “And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights”
a) This was an affliction that came from the Lord.
b) There is no question that this was an affliction sent by God.
c) “Three days and three nights”
i) Jonah would have much to ponder over.
ii) It would be a time for much soul-searching.
iii) It would be a time of praying to God.
UNDERSTANDING CHASTENING
The Scriptures have taught us how to understand the chastening of the Lord. This is God’s prerogative.
1. Chastening is a special work of God (Hebrews 12:6-8).
2. God functions as a wise and loving Father who needs to chasten His children (Hebrews 12:7).
3. Chastening is never joyful (Hebrews 12:11).
4. It must not be despised, nor must it lead to discouragement (Hebrews 12:5).
5. Chastening will lead to the production of the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).
Jonah would be the better servant of God after this episode of chastising from the LORD!